Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 26, Issue 1, 2020; Page No.(117-120)

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST AND PARTHENIUM COMPOST ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF BRINJAL (SOLANUM MELONGENA L. CV. PANCHGANGA)

R.D. Chitale and B.S. Mali

Abstract

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an easily cultivated fruit vegetable belonging to family Solanaceae, which can grow all over the world round the year. In India, Brinjal plant contributes 9% of total vegetable production. Brinjal is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, vitamins and minerals. It is easily available in market and has been a common vegetable in diet. Different parts of brinjal plant and fruits are used as medicines in various countries for healing kidney stones, liver disorders and diabetes. Parthenium hysterophorus L. accidently introduced in India through the imported food grains in 1955. It is spreading in India in alarming rate because it can adopt any conditions easily. This plant is a defamed plant in view of its toxic and allergic properties. It has nearly destroyed all the useful crops and plants, growing near to it. The economic use is impaired by its toxic effect that is why the composting from rich nutrient content of Parthenium plant might be a useful alternative to be used as a soil conditioner. The Parthenium compost contains two times more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than Farm Yard Manure (FYM). In spite of enough quantity of various essential macro and micro plant nutrients, composting of Parthenium is not practiced by farmers. The objective of our research is to see the effect of urea, vermicompost and Parthenium compost on growth and yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L. cv. Panchaganga).